Hi Joanne,   My heart goes with you, the confirmed diagnosis must of been  difficult to receive. It's never easy to hear even if on some level it might of been eventually excepted.   Cancer affects everyone differently and sometimes people can appear perfectly healthy as well.   Have you spoken to your doctor regarding your concerns? They would be in the best position to answer this, regarding the bones and muscles.   Do you have a wheel chair at your disposal? Usually someone from palliative care can arrange for a qualified individual to come and review the home, so they can suggest the best options for general daily living. ... View more

Hi.  My husband too has prostrate cancer but advanced prostrate cancer and apart from doing the normal google searches I have got great help and information from an American support group HealthUnlocked.  Most men post but also some wives and partners.  What I have found is that they are positive about their condition and are very knowledgeable about all the medicines used to treat prostrate cancer and the various trials going on.  I know every person is different and this is acknowledged.  The other resource I've found invaluable is the Prostrate Cancer Foundation's (PCF) Guidelines from the States also.  You can download this.  It is amazing and deals with every stage of prostrate cancer.  Even though it's published in America, trials taking place in Australia are mentioned.     Hope this helps.  ... View more

Hi Josiesther,   I'm sorry to hear that you and your husband are going through some difficult times but please remember this is temporary as things in life always improve eventually. Your husband sounds like he is already being supported by an strong and dedicated individual, you simply seeking additional advice clearly displays such an thing.   Support can come in many ways, some are:   - Emotional Support: To support someone you make yourself available to them and allow the person to know that your there, whenever they feel ready to speak. The topic of general illness can be very difficult for many to approach. (Your already doing this but others might hopefully find it useful in the future).   - Physical affection: The simple act of basic affection is an powerful thing and comforting for a person's psychology. E.g. hugging, holding hands, cuddling and etc.   - Use of words: Display affection with using language, saying 'I love you' or complimenting them can be mentally empowering to hear.   - Find activities or hobbies you can do together. E.g. Take a walk along the water front, go to a library and enjoy reading the books together, discuss the small things in life - news, funny stories about your childhood or life, memories about his mother and etc. Go for a picnic or enjoy the stars at night. The activity is up to you.   - Attempt to focus on the small positives in life than the negatives as it's easy to fall into such traps.   As for financial difficulties, perhaps try contacting Centrelink or The cancer council. They might be able to assist or redirect to an funding source? There's no harm in trying.   ... View more

Hello,   Yes I have, the experience was the following:   - Can barely eat/drink or won't at all - Cannot take oral medication - Had eyes always closed - Didn't speak and barely made any sounds - Swallow breathing - Mass weight and muscle loss - Cold hands and feet - Very pale skin - Blueish lips - Blank stare, no pupil reaction if eyes exposured to light - Blotchy skin   ... View more

Continue being the great friend you already are - Be there for her: You don't need to give advice, you can simply listen and be supportive. It's okay if time doesn't allow for physical present, you can provide support via emotional needs. You could send flowers, have general conversations about daily life or news, tell some jokes, send an care package, books and so forth. Please see the link down below, I believe it could of be some assistances as well.   For additional advice regarding general helpful tips:  Cancer.net - Supporting a friend who has cancer https://www.cancer.net/coping-with-cancer/talking-with-family-and-friends/supporting-friend-who-has-cancer ... View more

Hi, I really felt for you when I read your message. It reminded me a lot of when my father suffered brain cancer many years ago. He was fine when the family were visitng and put on a brave face, but when we left he just shut down and refused to talk to my mother, even rejecting her attempts to care for him and being sarcastic towards her. She told us she felt so rejected and hurt. It is a great pity that this is also affecting your children, you said they were avoiding him. And you dont feel you have the friends or extended family to offer support. As you and your children are both having such a difficult time, would it be at all possible for you three to join forces and provide the supportive care for each other that could help you all through this? Maybe they would like to talk to you about how they are feeling, maybe you would like to talk to them about your feelings too? I think it could be helpful as a family, if the 3 of you try to have some time together to   share your experiences and work out some strategies of how best to cope with the situation, and how you could support and care for each other. Maybe have a meal out together once a week? Work on becoming a team. It sounds like you have tried everything to help your husband out of his negative speace, but without much success. Maybe its time to focus on building up the relationship between yourself and your children to best help all of you on a day-to-day basis. I dont know if that will be of any help at all, and maybe you have already tried this approach, but I do wish you all the best and hope you can find something to relieve the very sad situation you are in. If I knew how to add a HUG emoticon, I would. 🙂 ... View more

Sounds like good steps in the right direction for both you and your friend. ... View more

Hi there   I totally get you!  My son was diagnosed in 2017 aged 21 Synovial Sarcoma he went through 6 months of chemo then disease was stable for 10 months  then he did 13 rounds of radiation in his pelvis and leg to stop spread again , then in  Jan of this year 6 months of chemo started he got to round 5 and chemo stopped working scans showed considerable spread so radiation for another  14 rounds  fast forward to now June 19 and here we are again about to  go into chemo !! He has shown courage and determination ❤️ As a parent I totally understand all you are enduring it has to be the worst nightmare ever that you don’t wake up from!  Try to connect with people and find time for yourself  i am here for a chat talking really helps 😉 ... View more

It's okay, we're here if you wish to talk further or just want someone to listen. We'll gladly/want to do both. Please let us know, how everything goes???  ... View more

Hello,   Unfortunately that is common with cancer that attaches itself to the bowels. If a solid meal tends to blind then an soft and liquid one, does sound like the better option. But you should always check with your acting doctor to advise. Maybe a better catchment system such as a heavy duty adult nappy with an additional slip could help absorb the extra leakeage? Plus a barrier spray to protect the skin from irritation for overnight.   If sleepless nights continue then try seeking some  relaxation medication such as ativan, to assist for a short period of time?   ... View more